Roy Keane believes Jude Bellingham has the potential to become one of the greatest footballers of all time after the Real Madrid star produced a sensational performance in Englandās 7-0 demolition of Croatia.
Bellingham scored once and provided three assists in Rijeka, but it was his all-round contribution that particularly impressed the former Manchester United captain, who praised the midfielderās work without the ball and his growing influence as a leader for the Three Lions.
Roy Keane has delivered one of his strongest endorsements yet of Jude Bellingham.
The former Manchester United captain was hugely impressed by the Real Madrid midfielder's performance as England dismantled Croatia 7-0 in the Nations League.
Bellingham was directly involved in four of England's seven goals, scoring once and creating three more as Thomas Tuchel's side produced one of their most dominant performances of the year.
For Keane, however, the statistics only tell part of the story.
The ITV pundit was particularly impressed by Bellingham's contribution when England did not have possession.
Keane believes Bellingham has the ability to reach the very top of the game.
The former Ireland international said there is still plenty more to come from the 23-year-old and backed him to eventually become one of the greatest players in football history.
That prediction comes after Bellingham has established himself as one of the central figures in Tuchel's England team.
His performances for the Three Lions have continued to grow in influence, with the midfielder combining his attacking quality with an increasing defensive workload.
While Bellingham's goal and three assists naturally attracted attention, Keane focused heavily on what the midfielder does when England are out of possession.
That aspect of his game has become increasingly important to England.
Bellingham's willingness to press, track opponents and compete for the ball allows the players around him to play with greater intensity.
Keane believes that commitment has a wider effect on the team.
A player capable of producing elite moments with the ball while also working relentlessly without it can set the standard for everyone else.
Bellingham's influence was obvious from the opening stages in Rijeka.
He helped create England's early breakthrough before eventually getting on the scoresheet himself.
He then continued to dictate the attacking rhythm, finding teammates in dangerous positions and helping England maintain relentless pressure on Croatia.
His final numbers ā one goal and three assists ā made him the first England midfielder since David Platt in 1993 to record four goal involvements in a single match.
England eventually secured their biggest victory over Croatia, while Bellingham left the pitch with another performance that underlined his importance to Tuchel.
Keane also highlighted Bellingham's growing leadership role within the England squad.
The midfielder has become one of the most influential players in the team despite still being only 23.
His experience at Real Madrid, combined with his importance to England, has accelerated that development.
Keane believes Bellingham's attitude can inspire the players around him.
That is particularly significant for Tuchel, who is building an England side expected to compete for major international honours.
Bellingham's form for England also reflects his growing influence at Real Madrid.
After establishing himself as a key figure at the Spanish giants, the midfielder has continued to develop into a player capable of influencing matches in multiple ways.
His ability to operate between midfield and attack, contribute goals and assists and still perform significant defensive work has made him increasingly difficult for opponents to contain.
For England, that versatility gives Tuchel another major weapon.
The Croatia performance provided another reminder of why Bellingham is already considered one of the leading players of his generation.
But Keane's prediction goes much further.
The former Manchester United midfielder believes Bellingham has the qualities to eventually enter football's greatest-ever conversation.
There is still a long way to go before such a legacy can be established, but Bellingham's performances for both Real Madrid and England continue to strengthen the argument that his ceiling is exceptionally high.
For now, his next challenge is to maintain that level.
England face Czechia next, and Bellingham will be expected to remain at the centre of Tuchel's plans.
